Book Gifts

Books, books and more books.  So many books, so little time.....

 If Only You Knew - Claire Allan

One Day - David Nicholls (Must read before seeing film)

Something from Tiffany's - Melissa Hill
Spirit of the Titanic - Nicola Pierce

Suddenly Senior : The Funny Thing About Getting Older - Tom Hay (Gift from Big Sis!!!!!)


The Time of My Life - Cecelia Ahern

501 Must-Read Books - Various (Bet I haven't read 1% - on quick skim through have read some but probably wouldn't choose to read at least 95% of them)

A Friend Like Ben - Julia Rump

A lovely read.  I like the simplicity of the writing, relaying the relationship between an austisic boy, George, and his mum, Julia and how a little stray cat changes their lives.  A heart warming read for Christmas or any time of year.  Have the tissues at the ready.  

Watch:  Ben, George and Julia on youtube

Of Moths & Butterflies - V R Christensen

Great title, beautiful cover art but unfortunately the story line was a bit too slow and predicable in the first half. I find this cat and mouse game between the hero and herione so frustrating although I do appreciate the nice flow of the story, the hint of mystery and it does suit the period in which it is set.  If the first half of the story had moved along at the same pace as the second half it would have been made for a very good read but as it stands I gave it a respectable 4 out 5 stars.  

Good read if you can stick with it.

Dark Matter - A Ghost Story

Just finished reading 'Dark Matter' by Michelle Paver, the free book I received from Newbooks magazine.  I read this in two sittings, that's very fast for me. 

Wow, a really creepy, disturbing good old fashioned ghost story.  It is not often a book haunts me (pardon the pun) but this one actually entered my dreams for a few nights after reading it.  Very descriptive and atmospheric.  I'm almost reluctant to say this (spoiler) but it has a completely unexpected twist at the end.  

 * * Highly Recommended * *

Recycle Old Christmas Cards

Cut out nice front section of old Christmas cards.  Cut an A4 card in two using pinking sheers or special scissors for cutting interesting edges on card.  Stick the section from old card using sticky pads to front of new card, green and red works well.  Write a message on inside using gold pen.  Packs of small envelopes can be purchased in bulk from stationary stores.  You can also purchase small stickers for the back of your card and print your details eg:

  Hand crafted by

 Lesleymc

Very satisfying, cheap, look quite good and nice personal touch.

The Tiger's Wife - Tea Obreht

Just finished this novel, found it interesting.  Tea weaves a complex story introducing myths, superstition and a meandering time line. The story goes off on tangents which at first seem distracting but the characters of the subplots and their lives become interesting in themselves and she cleverly weaves them all back into the main story interconnecting their lives and events. 

Whilst I thought it was good, if emotionally a bit heavy, for me it was not a page turner.  It was more of a deep slow flowing river than a raging torrent.

Newbooks Magazine

Just discovered a magazine for book lovers.  It has been on the go it seems for ten years but to my chagrin I have never come across it before.  It contains lots of interesting articles, interviews with authors and reviews of books. You can also read short extracts from some of the featured books.  There is also the opportunity to request a book free from a selection of those featured only paying post and packaging.  This is genuine, I received a copy of 'Dark Matter' only paying £2.95 towards p & p.   I am currently reading Tea Obreht's Eye of the Tiger and look forward to reading the article in the current magazine afterwards.  Bring on the next addition.

You can also find them at www.newbooksmag.com